Orlan is a groundbreaking artist best known for her bold and transformative work, particularly her project titled The Reincarnation of Saint-Orlan, in which she used plastic surgery as a form of artistic expression to reshape her own body. Throughout her career, Orlan has consistently pushed boundaries, challenging traditional notions of beauty and identity. Another significant part of her legacy is the Tableaux Vivants series, a powerful collection of performance pieces that spanned from 1967 to 1975, where Orlan staged living tableaus inspired by classical art. Before she gained international recognition, Orlan began her journey as a French performance artist, deeply immersed in avant-garde circles. In 1971, she made a pivotal decision to change her name to Orlan—drawing inspiration from a saintly figure—which marked a turning point in her artistic evolution. Born and raised in Saint-Étienne, France, Orlan’s early environment played a subtle but influential role in shaping her radical approach to art. Today, Orlan remains a central figure in contemporary art, with her name continuing to resonate across global discussions on body politics and self-representation.
Back in 1982, she made a groundbreaking move by launching the very first online magazine dedicated to contemporary art. Her vision and creativity paved the way for digital art platforms, and it was she who truly set the foundation. At a time when the internet was still in its infancy, her initiative stood out as innovative and ahead of its time. She wasn’t just following trends—she was creating them. Through her efforts, she opened new doors for artists and critics alike to share their work globally. It was she who recognized the potential of the digital space long before others did.